Up to three deaths have been reported at the construction site for the stadium due to host the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Sao Paulo. Designed by Anibal Coutinho with Werner Sobek, Frederico Barbosa and Norberto Odebrecht Constructora, the Arena Corinthians was due to complete in December 2013.

Television footage shows a collapsed stand, allegedly struck when a crane toppled over. An LED panel is also said to have been affected. Investigations are underway to check whether any more workers have been injured in the accident.

Jérôme Valcke, Fifa General Secretary, tweeted: "Extremely shocked by the news from Sao Paulo. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims of this accident."